Race 6 – Prestige Event Hire BM78 Handicap (1100m)
1. Proved – $4.80 win / $1.90 place
Unbeaten in five starts and resumes here off two stylish Cranbourne jumpouts. She has shown versatility, winning from the front and stalking leaders when required. Maps well from gate 5 and has proven herself in BM70 and BM78 company. Conditions suit, but this is her toughest test yet.
10. Quiseen – $23 win / $5.20 place
Talented mare with a handy strike rate but comes off a poor Flemington run. That said, her Ballarat and Sandown wins earlier this prep were very good. She’s had a quiet jumpout to tune up and gets Declan Bates again. Wide alley makes it tricky, but she can rattle off strong sectionals late.
11. Scillato – $4.00 win / $1.75 place
Three wins from five, including a brilliant Flemington 3YO fillies handicap victory. She wasn’t disgraced in Group 3 grade last time in Adelaide. Back in BM78 company and draws out, which suits her get-back pattern. She’s a class act with upside and looks ready to peak fresh.
12. Trembles – $4.60 win / $1.85 place
Progressive Godolphin filly who keeps stepping up. Strong win at Bendigo before a brave second at The Valley behind a smart one. She’ll be on-speed with Jye McNeil aboard and looks to have improved with each run. Another forward showing expected.
Race 7 – Ladbrokes Bendigo Cup (2400m)
1. Arapaho (FR) – $9.50 win / $3.10 place
Sydney Cup winner who has raced well without luck this spring. Gets in well at set weights and is drawn to get a soft run from the inside alley. Class runner of the field and the drying ground is in his favour. The one to beat if right.
4. Sayedaty Sadaty (IRE) – $5.50 win / $2.10 place
Two-time Flemington winner this prep and continues to hold his form in top company. Can race on speed or just off them, and Harry Coffey knows him well. Was flat last start but forgiven from a tricky draw. Expecting a bounce back.
6. Quietness (GB) – $3.20 win / $1.60 place
Has been superb all prep, mixing it in Listed and Group company. Narrowly missed in the Grafton Cup and ran home hard last time in the Coongy. Top stable, well weighted, and brings the right form. Wide draw is the knock.
10. Age Of Sail (GB) – $21 win / $5.20 place
Good winner of the Port Macquarie Cup and has run well in staying events in Sydney. Hasn’t won beyond this level but knows how to stick on. Capable of sneaking into the placings if things go pear-shaped up front.
Race 8 – BRB Electrical BM70 Handicap (1300m)
2. Fear No Evil (NZ) – $5.50 win / $2.20 place
Resumes off a couple of sharp Flemington jumpouts and has the blinkers on first time. Last prep showed tactical speed and toughness, leading in all his wins. Will push forward and take catching, especially if the track suits.
4. Pentle Bay (IRE) – $11 win / $3.30 place
Lightly raced import with serious talent. Ran second at Royal Ascot as a two-year-old and now debuts for Maher/Eustace. No public trials, but has a touch of class and draws well. One to watch closely in the yard.
11. Tournelle (IRE) – $9.50 win / $3.00 place
Honest mare with strong recent form, including a dominant win at Sandown. Can settle midfield and finish off, and Harry Coffey sticks. Maps for a sweet run and will be there at the business end.
17. Princess Toro (EM) – $15 win / $4.00 place
Draws to do no work and her last-start Bendigo win was classy. Up in grade but down in weight and gets Fred Kersley again. Could surprise if she gains a start.
Race 9 – The Sporting Globe BM78 Handicap (1400m)
5. Helix – $5.00 win / $2.10 place
Consistent type with a big finish. Ran enormous two back at Paky and was luckless in stronger company last start. Drawn for the soft run and gets Melham back aboard. Perfect race for him to launch late.
6. Active Duty – $13 win / $3.80 place
Strong winner two back at Geelong and then chased hard in Adelaide. Handles all conditions and has tactical versatility. If they roll along, he’ll be charging late.
11. Big Sexy – $2.70 win / $1.50 place
Smart up-and-comer who was dominant at Hamilton last start. Lightly raced and keeps improving. The one with upside but may get buried from the draw.
13. Guerite – $13 win / $3.90 place
In-form mare with a lovely racing style. Just needs a touch of luck from the gate. If she gets cover, she can launch late and figure in the finish.
Rusty’s Plays
Best Bet: Scillato (Race 6)
Best Each Way: Quietness (Race 7)
Best Value: Quiseen (Race 6)
Rusty’s Quaddie – Races 6 to 9
Leg 1 (R6): 1, 10, 11, 12
Leg 2 (R7): 1, 4, 6, 10
Leg 3 (R8): 2, 4, 11, 17
Leg 4 (R9): 5, 6, 11, 13
